In a bid to deal with Brexit and boost the number of homegrown players, the English Football Association is planning to reduce the number of overseas players in Premier League squads to 12 from 17, according to reports.

The proposal, to be put to the clubs this week, would mean significant changes to a number of sides.

Thirteen EPL clubs have more than 12 overseas players in their first team squads this season.

According to the Times newspaper, the FA would in return agree to give a governing-body endorsement, usually issued for a non-EU/European Economic Area elite player to help the development of football in England, for a work permit for every foreign player who gets a contract with a Premier League club.

If the clubs fail to reach agreement with the FA on Brexit, they could face a "no-deal" scenario where all EU players would have to fulfil the same criteria that non-EU players do now to get a work permit, the report added.

"We are continuing to work with the Premier League, EFL (English Football League) and a range of government departments, including: DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport); Home Office; Treasury during this consultation period," an FA spokesperson said.

Reuters